September 21, 2017

Durbin Urges MLB To Extend Safety Netting At All Ballparks

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today wrote to Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred, urging him to push for extended safety netting at all 30 major league ballparks.

Full text of Durbin’s letter:

September 21, 2017

Mr. Rob Manfred

Commissioner

Major League Baseball

245 Park Avenue

New York, New York

Dear Commissioner Manfred:

The latest tragic incident of a young child struck by a foul ball at Yankee Stadium should be a clarion call to professional baseball that it is time to put the safety of your fans first.

When we are told in detail the speed of the ball leaving the bat—catalogued so vividly in a Real Sports segment—it is clear that fans are virtually defenseless when foul balls go into the stands.

The solution is clear: extend the nets protecting the fans. Ten teams have already taken this important step. But, it is not consistent throughout Major League Baseball stadiums.

I appreciate the steps that Major League Baseball and individual teams have taken, and hope that all teams will commit to extending their safety netting in the off season. I look forward to meeting with you to discuss the steps being taken to encourage common sense safety measures at ballparks.

In the meantime, for the good of the sport and the safety of your fans: extend the nets.

Sincerely,

RICHARD J. DURBIN

United States Senator